Pumping Compartment for a Portable Hot Tub or Swim Spa

ABSTRACT

A pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa. The compartment may include a hollow body disposed in an internal cavity of the hot tub, and a warming apparatus and a pumping apparatus connected to the hollow body. The warming apparatus may include an air conveyor and a fan driven by a fan motor. The pumping apparatus may include a water inlet conveyor, a water pump and a water outlet conveyor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of hot tubs and spas, more particularly, to a pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of pumps in spas, hot tubs, bathtubs and the like is, of course, well known.

Such pumps are used to receive water from a water inlet, place the water under pressure and convey such water to the various outlets or jets within the spa enclosure where the user is or is intended to be positioned. The water exiting the jets creates a flow within the water of the spa and exhausts on the user, if so desired. The water has a pleasant and therapeutic benefit.

The pumps that create the pressure and provide water to the jets within the spa are generally centripetal type pumps. These pumps have an impeller with a central portion into which water from a water inlet is introduced. The impeller has a series of radially located vanes that conveys the water radially outwardly from the central inlet area to an outlet located adjacent the radial vanes. Powering the pumps is a motor which is generally housed within a motor compartment located within the hot tub. During operation of hot tub, the motor is under load which creates heat within the motor compartment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,736 (French) teaches a motor cooling technique typically used in spas. French takes air from within the component compartment of the spa and passes such air through the motor which powers the spa pump by using the cooling fan within the motor. French teaches collecting the hot air which has passed through the motor by an exhaust shroud and exhausting such air to ambient conditions outside the component compartment of the spa.

While the technique taught by the '736 patent is generally satisfactory, advantages in such cooling techniques and increased flexibility in using the cooling air are possible. First, because French takes his cooling air from within the component compartment, which component compartment is the location of electrical and electronic components which generate heat, the air gathered from the component compartment by French is at a relatively elevated temperature which prejudices the motor cooling effect. Superior cooling with air at a lower temperature would be useful.

Second, by exhausting his collected and heated air to a location outside the spa, the thermal energy of the heated air dissipated in the atmosphere is wasted by French. It would be useful if the thermal energy of the heated air could be applied to other uses.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,283 (Bonoir) overcomes the disadvantages of French by providing a water circulation apparatus for use in a spa or the like which utilizes a turbine or axial flow pump for pumping the water from a water inlet to the jets or other exhaust openings within the spa and under the water surface. Cooling air from ambient surroundings is used to cool a motor providing power to the pump.

The motor and pump are located within a component compartment and exhaust openings exhaust the cooling air passing through the motor where it may be used for heating towels. The component compartment may be sealed thereby to allow heated air to escape only from the exhaust openings.

Although Bonoir overcomes the disadvantages of French, there is a desire to provide a water extract pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or spa which also provides a warming area for the water extract pump and other spa items.

Accordingly, a need exists for a pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa. Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the description that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa. The compartment may include a hollow body disposed in an internal cavity of the portable hot tub or swim spa. The compartment may also be situated adjacent a sidewall of the portable hot tub or swim spa. A warming apparatus may be connected to the hollow body in addition to a pumping apparatus.

The warming apparatus may include an air conveyor having first and second ends with the first end disposed inside the portable hot tub or swim spa. A fan may also be included which is driven by a fan motor and the air conveyor may be connected to the fan at the second end of the air conveyor. The fan may be operable to draw air from inside of the hot tub or portable spa through the air conveyor and into the hollow body. The air conveyor may at its first end be connected to a motor compartment via an air inlet. The air conveyor may be a flexible duct.

The fan and the motor may be housed within a fan compartment. The fan compartment may be connected to the outside of the hollow body.

The pumping apparatus may include a water inlet conveyor connected to a drainage hole of the portable hot tub or swim spa. The drainage hole may be located substantially at the bottom of the portable hot tub or swim spa. A water pump, such as a Rule™ Tournament series cartridge pump, may be disposed inside of the hollow body and it may be connected to the water inlet conveyor for pumping water from the portable hot tub or swim spa. A water outlet conveyor may be connected to the water pump for draining the water away from the portable hot tub or swim spa. Both the water inlet and outlet conveyors may each be individual hoses.

The hollow body may include a door accessible through the sidewall of the portable hot tub or swim spa to allow the water outlet conveyor to extend through the outside of the portable hot tub or swim spa.

A divider may be included which is operable to fit inside of the hollow body and to cover the water pump and water outlet conveyor.

Both the fan motor and water pump may each be powered by the portable hot tub or swim spa motor.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of pumping water out of portable hot tub or swim spa. The method may include providing a water inlet conveyor and connecting the water inlet conveyor to a drainage hole of the portable hot tub or swim spa. The drainage may be located substantially at the bottom of the portable hot tub or swim spa. Additionally, the method may include providing a water pump inside of a hollow body and connecting the water inlet conveyor to the water pump. The hollow body may be positioned in an internal cavity of the portable hot tub or swim spa and adjacent a sidewall of the portable hot tub or swim spa. A water outlet conveyor may be provided and it may be connected to the water pump. The method may further include connecting the water pump to a motor of the portable hot tub or swim spa to power the water pump and operating the water pump to draw water from the portable hot tub or swim spa through the water inlet conveyor, water pump and water outlet conveyor and away from the portable hot tub or swim spa.

The method may include providing a door accessible through the sidewall of the portable hot tub or swim spa and then extending the water outlet conveyor through the door so that the water can flow away from the portable hot tub or swim spa.

Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and to the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings thereof in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable hot tub or swim spa with a closed pumping compartment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable hot tub or swim spa with an open pumping compartment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pumping compartment with the door removed; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable hot tub or swim spa with an open pumping compartment and warming compartment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, there is a portable hot tub or swim spa 10. Hot tub 10 includes a pumping compartment 12 which is made from a hollow body 14 disposed in an internal cavity of hot tub 10. Ideally, and as depicted, pumping compartment 12 is situated adjacent a sidewall (supported by a frame 16) of hot tub and swim spa 10. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, pumping compartment 12 may be situated in any free area within hot tub 10 and may be of any convenient shape to fit inside hot tub 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a pumping apparatus is provided which includes a water inlet conveyor 18 connected to a drainage hole of the hot tub 10. The drainage hole is ideally located substantially at the bottom of hot tub 10 to allow gravity to feed the water contained in hot tub 10.

The pumping apparatus includes a water pump 22 disposed inside of hollow body 14. Water pump 22 is conventionally connected to water inlet conveyor 18 for pumping water from hot tub 10. Ideally, water pump 22 is a cartridge style pump such as Rule™ Tournament series cartridge pump, however, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, other pumps may be utilized. As depicted, water pump 22 is located on the floor 100 of hollow body 14, however, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, water pump 22 may be located in any convenient location within hollow body 14. Ideally, hollow body 14 includes a ledge 102 running the interior perimeter of hollow body 14. Ledge 102 may be integrally formed into hollow body 14, but may also be a distinct addition to the interior of hollow body 14. A divider or false bottom is included which is operable to fit inside of hollow body 14 and to rest on top of ledge 102 to conveniently and aesthetically cover water pump 22 and water outlet conveyor 24.

The pumping apparatus additionally includes water outlet conveyor 24 which is also conventionally connected to water pump 22 to drain the water away from hot tub 10. Preferably, both water inlet 18 and outlet 24 conveyors are conduits or hoses. Preferably, hollow body 14 includes a door 42 accessible through the sidewall of hot tub 10 to allow water outlet conveyor 24 to extend through the outside of the hot tub 10. Water outlet 24 is also preferably long enough to extend well beyond hot tub 10 to allow the water from inside hot tub 10 to drain a safe distance away.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a warming apparatus is provided which includes an air conveyor 26 having first 28 and second 30 ends with first end 28 disposed inside hot tub 10. A fan 32 is included which is driven by a fan motor 34. Fan 32 and motor 34 are housed within a fan compartment 36 which is connected to the outside of the hollow body 14. Air conveyor 26 is connected to fan 32 at second end 30 and fan 32 is operable to draw air from inside hot tub 10 through air conveyor 26 and into hollow body 14. Ideally, first end 28 is connected to a motor compartment 38 via an air inlet so that warm air from motor compartment 38 is drawn through air conveyor 26 into hollow body 14. To route air into hollow body 14, ideally air conveyor 26 is a flexible duct.

Both fan motor 34 and water pump 22 are each powered by hot tub 10 motor (not depicted), however, it is also contemplated that fan motor 34 and water pump 22 may each be separately powered by other sources of power.

Operation

When hot tub 10 is turned on, the motor of the hot tub 10 powers on fan motor 34 which draws air through air conveyor 26 from, preferably motor compartment 38, into hollow body 14. The warm air from motor compartment 38 warms hollow body 14, thus users of hot tub 10 can warm personal items, such as towels, sandals, clothing etc. within hollow body 14.

Once it is desirable to drain the water from hot tub 10 a user selects “hold” on the topside control panel to suspend all hot tub 10 functions. The user opens door 42 and removes false bottom from inside hollow body 14 to gain access to water pump 22. Water outlet 24 is then connected to a hose bib valve on water pump 22 so that water starts to flow. Water outlet 24 is also extended through door 42 and away from hot tub 10. Water pump 22 is then switched on to draw the water from inside of hot tub 10 through drainage hole 20, water inlet 18, water pump 22, water outlet 24 and away from hot tub 10. The length of time it will take to drain depends on the size of hot tub 10. The user allows hot tub 10 or to finish draining before switching water pump 22 to the “off” position. A user may have to use a shop vacuum to remove any excess water in the hot tub 10. Once evacuated of water the user can clean hot tub 10 before refilling.

While embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only. The invention may include variants not described or illustrated herein in detail. Thus, the embodiments described and illustrated herein should not be considered to limit the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa, said compartment comprising: a hollow body disposed in an internal cavity of the portable hot tub or swim spa and adjacent a sidewall of the portable hot tub or swim spa; a warming apparatus connected to said hollow body; a pumping apparatus connected to said hollow body; said warming apparatus comprising an air conveyor having first and second ends, said first end of said air conveyor disposed inside the portable hot tub or swim spa, and a fan driven by a fan motor, said air conveyor connected to said fan at said second end, said fan being operable to draw air from inside of the portable hot tub or spa through said air conveyor and into said hollow body; and said pumping apparatus comprising a water inlet conveyor connected to a drainage hole of the portable hot tub or swim spa, a water pump disposed inside of said hollow body and connected to said water inlet conveyor for pumping water from the portable hot tub or swim spa, and a water outlet conveyor connected to said water pump for draining the water away from the portable hot tub or swim spa.
 2. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said hollow body comprises a door accessible through said sidewall of the portable hot tub or swim spa.
 3. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 2 wherein said water outlet conveyor is extendable through said door.
 4. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said water inlet conveyor comprises a hose.
 5. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said water outlet conveyor comprises a hose.
 6. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said water pump comprises a cartridge pump.
 7. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 6 wherein said cartridge pump comprises a Rule™ Tournament series cartridge pump.
 8. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said drainage hole is located substantially at the bottom of the portable hot tub or swim spa.
 9. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said air conveyor at its first end is connected to a motor compartment via an air inlet.
 10. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said air conveyor comprises a duct.
 11. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 10 wherein said duct comprises a flexible duct.
 12. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said fan and said fan motor are housed within a fan compartment.
 13. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 12 wherein said fan compartment is connected to the outside of the hollow body.
 14. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 further comprising a divider operable to fit inside of said hollow body and to cover said water pump and water outlet conveyor.
 15. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said fan motor is powered by the portable hot tub or swim spa motor.
 16. The pumping compartment for a portable hot tub or swim spa of claim 1 wherein said water pump is powered by the portable hot tub or swim spa motor.
 17. A method of pumping water out of portable hot tub or swim spa comprising: providing a water inlet conveyor and connecting said water inlet conveyor to a drainage hole of the portable hot tub or swim spa; providing a water pump inside of a hollow body and connecting the water inlet conveyor to said water pump, said hollow body being positioned in an internal cavity of the portable hot tub or swim spa and adjacent a sidewall of the portable hot tub or swim spa; providing a water outlet conveyor and connecting said water outlet conveyor to said water pump; connecting said water pump to a motor of the portable hot tub or swim spa to power said water pump; and operating said water pump to draw water from the portable hot tub or swim spa through said water inlet conveyor, water pump and water outlet conveyor and away from the portable hot tub or swim spa.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing a door accessible through said sidewall of the portable hot tub or swim spa.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising extending said water outlet conveyor through said door.
 20. The method of claim 1 further comprising connecting said water outlet conveyor to a drainage hole of the portable hot tub or swim spa which is located substantially at the bottom of the portable hot tub or swim spa. 